The Last Word with Matt Cooper Today FM

The drinks industry is calling for a temporary VAT reduction on alcohol sales in pubs, restaurants and hotels in order to safeguard jobs and allow businesses to get back on their feet.
The current rate of 23% is regarded by the the Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Drinks Ireland as extremely high by EU standards.
Padraig Cribben, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, and Eunan McKinney, Head of Communications and Advocacy at Alcohol Action Ireland, joined us to give their views on this.
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The BBC is going ahead with plans to end free TV licences for most over-75s, with the only exemptions being those who receive the Pension Credit benefit.
More than 3 million households in Britain will be asked to start paying the £157.50 licence fee from August, which the BBC says is "the fairest decision".
However, there has been a backlash from both the British government and Age UK.
Could the same thing happen in Ireland?
Joe O'Shea and Jennifer Gannon discussed this and more in our weekly TV slot.
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Jess Glynne has accused a London restaurant of "pure discrimination" after she was turned away for wearing a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms.
The singer made the accusation in an Instagram post, but her use of the word "discrimination" was criticised in the wake of global Black Lives Matter protests, with one social media user describing her attitude as "white privilege at its finest".
The restaurant's website states that its dress code is "smart casual" and advises guests not to wear sportswear or workout trainers.
Martin 'Beanz' Warde and Helen Vaughan joined us for The Week Trending to discuss this and some of the other stories making headlines this week.
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The number of reported bike thefts in Dublin jumped by almost half last month, with thieves profiting from unprecedented demand during COVID-19.
As people avoid public transport, cycling has become increasingly popular, leading to a surge in bike sales.
Unfortunately that also means more thefts, with a 46% increase recorded in the capital in June and a 40% increase nationally. However, these numbers are likely to be much higher as only a third of bike thefts are reported to the Gardaí.
Kieran Ryan from the Dublin Cycling Campaign joined us with some tips on how to protect your bike from being stolen.
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Dublin City Council has proposed a €15 million heated outdoor pool on the River Liffey, adjacent to where the new white-water rafting facility will be.
The white-water rafting proposal was previously criticised by those who suggested that the required funding would be better spent in other areas.
Labour Councillor Dermot Lacey, who voted in favour of the facility last year, joined us on The Last Word to explain why he would be open to the idea of a floating pool.
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The Government is considering extending the rent freeze and eviction ban which was introduced at the start of the current pandemic.
Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has said he will write to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to ask if an extension beyond the 20 July expiration date is merited.
Margaret McCormick, information officer of the Irish Property Owners' Association, and John Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold, joined us to give their thoughts on whether this should happen.
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